Sperm whale fights for life after washing up on Norfolk coast as death toll of pod hits 23

The 30-tonne animal, which is alive, is about 1.5 miles out of the sand and the race is on to save its life.

The whale was spotted about two miles east of where another sperm whale died on January 22. This latest incident comes as 23 whales from the same pod have been washed up dead on the North Sea coastlines of Britain, Holland and German in the past month.

West Norfolk Borough Council urges people not to travel to the beach.

They have said: “We’re aware that another whale has become stranded on Hunstanton beach.

“We’re involved in a multi-agency approach to assessing the situation.

“We’re not encouraging people to visit the scene, but if you do, please be mindful of your own safety.”

The coastguard received reports this morning by a member of the public who had spotted the animal and have since cordoned off the scene.

Manager of the Hunstanton Sealife Centre has said: “We are not at this stage expecting a successful result so I would advise people to stay away.”

Centre manager Nigel Croasdale called the beaching “heartbreaking.”

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Another whale was moved from Skegness beach on Wednesday morning.

Marine Life Rescue UK has said that this is now the 30th stranding to happen in Europe.

Stephen Marsh from Marine Life Rescue UK said: “All we can hope is that nature does take its course and does not suffer to long. It is heartbreaking and we now up to 30 in total in England, Holland and Germany.

Getty: The rescue operation in Germany

Just two weeks ago, a sperm whale beached in Old Hunstanton while four more washed up at Skegness and Wainfleet.

Two days ago, eight dead sperm whales washed up on a German beach.

There have been complaints from wildlife protection groups that underwater noise from sea traffic and oil platforms have interfered with the whales’ acoustic signals.